Solvent and Paint Regulations

These regulations are aimed at regulating and controlling the emissions of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC) from certain activities.

VOC emissions can be harmful to human health and to the environment.

The two major activities affected by the regulations are Dry Cleaning and Vehicle Refinishing (Spray Painting).

Dry Cleaning:

European Union (Installations and Activities Using Organic Solvents Regulations 2012 (S.I. 565 OF 2012)

If you operate a Dry Cleaning business then you must register with your Local Authority, and can only continue to operate if you have a valid Certificate of Compliance.

In order to do this you must have your premises and operations inspected by an Approved Assessor (listed below) to assess your compliance with the regulations and best practice.

Following the inspection, the Approved Assessor will provide you with a report detailing the results of the inspection and a recommendation on if a Certificate of Compliance should be issued or not.

You must forward this report to Cork City Council, at the address below, together with a registration form and the appropriate application fee.

The fee for your first registration is €70, or if you are applying after your registration has expired.

The fee is €50 if you are renewing your registration before it has lapsed.

Cork City Council will then issue you with a Certificate of Compliance.

The Certificate can be valid for between 1 and 3 years, depending on your level of compliance with regulations and as recommended by the Approved Assessor.

It is an offence under the regulations to operate a Dry Cleaner without a valid Certificate of Compliance as issued by your Local Authority.

Fines for uncertified operators can be up to €5,000 on summary conviction. Legislation has now also been passed which allows Local Authorities to issue Fixed Penalty Notices to non compliant operators.

Vehicle Refinishing (Spray Painting):

European Union (Paints, Varnishes, Vehicle Refinishing Products and Activities) Regulations S.I. No. 564 of 2012.

If you operate a vehicle refinishing business then you must register with your Local Authority, and can only continue to operate if you have a valid Certificate of Compliance.

In order to do this you must have your premises and operations inspected by an Approved Assessor (listed below) to assess your compliance with the regulations and best practice.

Following the inspection, the Approved Assessor will furnish you with a report detailing the results of the inspection and recommending if a Certificate of Compliance is to be issued or not.

You must forward this report to Cork City Council, at the address below, together with a completed registration form and the appropriate application fee.

The fee for your first registration is €70, or if you are applying after your registration has expired.

The fee is €50 if you are renewing your registration before it has lapsed.

Cork City Council will then issue you with a Certificate of Compliance.

The Certificate can be valid for between 1 and 3 years depending on your level of compliance with regulations and as recommended by the Approved Assessor.

It is an offence under the regulations to operate a Vehicle Refinisher without a valid Certificate of Compliance as issued by your Local Authority.

Fines for uncertified operators can be up to €5,000 on summary conviction.

Legislation has now also been passed which allows Local Authorities to issue Fixed Penalty Notices to non compliant operators.

Panel of Approved Assessors

Dry Cleaners Inspections:

EnviroGuide Consulting 3D,
Core C, Block 71,
The Plaza, Park West
D12F9TN
Tel: 01-5654730
Email: info@enviroguide.ie
Web: www.enviroguide.ie

Vehicle Refinishers Inspections:

NMU Auditing & Inspection Services,
Mespil Business Centre,
Mespil House,
Sussex Road,Dublin.

Tel: 01-2314621

EnviroGuide Consulting 3D,
Core C, Block 71,
The Plaza, Park West
D12F9TN
Tel: 01-5654730
Email: info@enviroguide.ie
Web: www.enviroguide.ie

Further information can found at www.solvents.ie or by contacting Cork City Council on 021-4924000.